Building conservation experts Tuffin Ferraby Taylor Cultural Heritage (TFT CH) have recruited a new surveyor to work on some of the most stunning historical buildings in the UK.

Conservation surveyor Rachael Johnstone, previously at Malcolm Hollis, studied at the College of Estate Management, where she completed a postgraduate diploma in conservation of the historic environment. Although based in Birmingham, Rachael will work closely with the rest of the team, which operates nationwide.

One of her first challenges was the Wellington Monument in Somerset, spectacularly located on the highest point of the Blackdown Hills. Rachael said: "The monument is a 54-metre, Grade II listed obelisk, right at the edge of an escarpment.

"TFT CH did a condition survey for the National Trust in 2005, and now we're co-ordinating follow-up investigation works. The structure has been scaffolded to its full height, to give the stonemasons close-up access. There are more than 20 lifts, so you need a good head for heights!"

Another scheme is Dunster Castle, also in Somerset, where the team is supervising structural repairs and restoration of the Grade II* stable block. Elsewhere, Rachael is involved with condition surveys of the Mamhead Obelisk in Exmouth and Kirby Hall in Northamptonshire.

"I'm proud to be working with some of the most talented and knowledgeable conservation surveyors in the country," says Rachael. "It's very satisfying to know that we are helping to preserve and retain Britain's built heritage for future generations."